Breeding adult

First winter

Nonbreeding adult

Habitat

Laughing Gull

Identification

Common black-hooded gull of beaches and other coastal areas in summer; found from East Coast of U.S. south to Mexico and northern South America. In winter they retreat from northern parts of their range and head becomes white with gray smudging. Darker gray above than other gulls of similar size. Bill is dark red in summer and black in winter. Sticks to coastal areas, rarely venturing far inland.